Green Lake Area Chamber of Commerce: Light Up the Lake

Green Lake, WI – The Green Lake Area Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to celebrate Light Up the Lake on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at Deacon Mills Park for a full day of family fun, community spirit, and patriotic celebration.

Start your morning with a delicious Pancake Breakfast hosted by the Green Lake American Legion Post 306 from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at 448 Water Street. Bring your family and friends—everyone is welcome!

At 8:30 a.m., Reilly’s Pub will host the 4 on the 4th Run/Walk for Veterans.

Beginning at noon, head to Deacon Mills Park to enjoy a variety of delicious food vendors and cool off with ice-cold beverages from the Green Lake Area Chamber of Commerce’s beverage trailer.

Also starting at noon, purchase your duck for the annual Duck Race! The race begins at 3:00 p.m. on the North Spillway. Ducks may be purchased at Deacon Mills Park, pre-purchased at Adam’s Rib, or at the Chamber office. The first three ducks to cross the finish line will win cash prizes!

From 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., stop by the Deacon Mills Park boat launch for Making a Splash for the Flags—a fun and refreshing way to support the American flags displayed throughout downtown Green Lake. Kids can toss a ball to make a splash in Green Lake! Participation is free, although donations are greatly appreciated to help keep our downtown proudly decorated with American flags.

The Cornhole Tournament begins at 12:00 p.m., with warm-ups starting at 11:00 a.m. Register in advance on our website.

At 1:00 p.m., enjoy the Patriotic Boat Parade, sponsored by Shoreline Boat Center. Then spend the afternoon enjoying family-friendly activities, including:

  • Cattail Critters Petting Zoo
  • Dizzy the Balloon Twister
  • Face Painting
  • Live music by Big Shoes to Phil from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The 4th of July Community Parade begins at 4:00 p.m., starting at the Green Lake County Fairgrounds. The parade exits through the main gates onto South Street, turns at North Bay Sport & Liquor, and continues north on Mill Street.

Keep the celebration going with live music by Boomboxx from 5:30 p.m. until dusk.

As the sun sets, gather along the shores of Big Green Lake for a spectacular fireworks display at dusk. There’s no better place to celebrate America’s birthday than in beautiful, small-town Green Lake!

The Green Lake Area Chamber of Commerce extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated to the fireworks fund and helped make this incredible display possible. To contribute, visit visitgreenlake.com/donate or call the Chamber office at (920) 294-3231.

For more information about Light Up the Lake, contact the Green Lake Area Chamber of Commerce at (920) 294-3231.